AIG Miller Dantawaye directs CP Nnanna Ama to ensure officers remain professional and impartial during Saturday’s council elections

Assistant Inspector-General of Police Miller Gajere Dantawaye, the officer in charge of Zone 13 Police Headquarters, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, August 28, 2026, directed Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama to ensure strict neutrality and professionalism among personnel deployed for Saturday’s local government elections.

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Dantawaye’s directive came a day before voters across Anambra State are due to elect local government chairmen and councillors, with the Assistant Inspector-General warning officers against becoming involved in partisan political activities before, during or after the poll.

The directive, contained in a statement issued by Zone 13 Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Chidera Oha, placed particular emphasis on the need for officers to protect the integrity of the electoral process while safeguarding voters and other stakeholders.

Dantawaye warned personnel against openly or covertly identifying with, supporting or assisting any political party, candidate or interest group.

He directed officers to perform their duties strictly within the law, professional ethics and established directives of the Nigeria Police Force.

The AIG also instructed CP Ama to ensure adequate security for electoral stakeholders and create an environment in which voters can exercise their civic rights without intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

“The credibility of the Police during the electoral process depends largely on the professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and conduct of individual officers,” Dantawaye said.

The warning comes as the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission prepares to conduct the council elections across the state’s 21 local government areas on Saturday, August 29.

ANSIEC has confirmed that 22 chairmanship candidates and 346 councillorship candidates are participating in the election.

The commission has also introduced a Yes or No voting system in areas where only one chairmanship candidate is contesting, meaning an unopposed candidate is not automatically guaranteed victory. (Anambra State Government)

The commission had fixed August 29, 2026, for the elections after issuing its notice in September 2025. The date has remained in place despite a legal challenge by 56 serving councillors over the statutory two-year tenure of elected local government officials. (Premium Times Nigeria)

The approaching poll will also be one of CP Ama’s earliest major electoral security assignments since he assumed office as Anambra’s 36th Commissioner of Police on August 10.

Ama took over following the retirement of former Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, who was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General before his retirement.

Ama arrived in Anambra with more than three decades of policing experience spanning intelligence, criminal investigation, tactical operations and administration. (Premium Times Nigeria)

Shortly after assuming office, Ama visited Dantawaye at the Zone 13 headquarters in Ukpo as part of his initial security engagements, with discussions focused on strategic coordination and operational cooperation. (Anambra State Government)

The latest directive therefore places the new commissioner at the centre of efforts to maintain a calm and credible security environment as Anambra heads to the polls.

Dantawaye further urged officers to remain vigilant, respect citizens’ rights and avoid conduct capable of compromising the integrity of the election.

He also directed personnel to promptly report security threats or attempts to disrupt voting through the appropriate channels.

The emphasis on police neutrality is particularly significant during elections, when security personnel are expected to maintain public order while avoiding conduct that could create perceptions of favouritism or intimidation.

For Anambra voters, the police presence will be an important part of the electoral environment, particularly at polling locations and other sensitive points where disputes or tensions could emerge.

Dantawaye reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to providing a safe and secure environment for the election.

“All personnel are therefore enjoined to uphold the law, maintain neutrality, and remain professional throughout the electoral process,” the statement added.

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With voting scheduled for Saturday, the effectiveness of that directive will ultimately be measured not only by the absence of violence, but also by whether voters, candidates and other participants feel able to take part without fear, pressure or partisan interference.